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Article
Paradigm Shift or Normal Science? The Future of (Biosocial) Criminology
Theoretical Criminology
  • Michael Rocque, Bates College
  • Chad Posick, Georgia Southern University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-1-2017
DOI
10.1177/1362480617707949
Abstract

For much of the history of criminology, tension has existed between sociologically oriented and biologically oriented perspectives. In recent years, a new, more nuanced approach has emerged which attempts to take both perspectives seriously and integrate them into a biosocial criminology. Yet, it remains, in large part, a fringe field of study. We argue that this is due, primarily, to critical as well as supportive scholars’ views that the ‘biosocial’ perspective represents a paradigm shift in the field of criminology. In this article, drawing on our work with the late Nicole Rafter, we present a case that rather than a paradigm shift, this biosocial turn simply represents a maturing field. In doing so, we describe the ways in which biosocial criminology examines crime and antisocial behavior as a biological and social phenomenon. At the same time, we also point out some cautions with respect to this body of work. We conclude with a vision of the future of (biosocial) criminology.

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Citation Information
Michael Rocque and Chad Posick. "Paradigm Shift or Normal Science? The Future of (Biosocial) Criminology" Thousand Oaks, CATheoretical Criminology Vol. 21 Iss. 3 (2017) p. 288 - 303 ISSN: 1461-7439
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/chad_posick/81/